New York bank account opening
Jun 12th 2018, 5:20 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 23
New York bank account opening
So, I need some help with opening a bank account (or specifically my wife does)
I moved to NYC about 2 months ago and was able to get HSBC (my UK bank) to open an account for me ahead of time, which was really useful.
My wife has now joined me and her UK bank doesn’t operate here. She went in to a Chase branch yesterday with her passport and tried to open an account. She was told that she needed a utility bill in her name as proof of address - something we don’t have (as I got here first they are all in my name).
Before we do the full tour of all the banks to find one who will open an account for her, has anyone found a US bank that will open a basic checking account without a utility bill? I can’t inagine we’re the first people to have this issue.
thanks in advance for any suggestions.
I moved to NYC about 2 months ago and was able to get HSBC (my UK bank) to open an account for me ahead of time, which was really useful.
My wife has now joined me and her UK bank doesn’t operate here. She went in to a Chase branch yesterday with her passport and tried to open an account. She was told that she needed a utility bill in her name as proof of address - something we don’t have (as I got here first they are all in my name).
Before we do the full tour of all the banks to find one who will open an account for her, has anyone found a US bank that will open a basic checking account without a utility bill? I can’t inagine we’re the first people to have this issue.
thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Jun 12th 2018, 5:34 pm
#2
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,380
Re: New York bank account opening
None of my banks wanted any proof of address when opening an account. If she wants an account and they insist on a utility bill, it is quite simple to bring the bill and her marriage license. Do you have an apartment lease?
In the lower portion of New York State, I've banked with Citibank and the now defunct Bank of New York.
In the lower portion of New York State, I've banked with Citibank and the now defunct Bank of New York.
Jun 12th 2018, 6:43 pm
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 4,759
Re: New York bank account opening
Wells Fargo opened an account on day 2 of my arrival into the US. No bills asked for or provided, didn't even have a tenancy agreement (stayed with friends). Did want GC and/or passport though, can't remember which.
Jun 12th 2018, 8:09 pm
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2010
Location: Sleepy Hollow, New York
Posts: 2,536
Re: New York bank account opening
It is eight years ago now but Chase opened an account for us with no proof of address. We went to the branch on 93rd and 2nd in the Upper East Side. The staff there seemed well versed in dealing with immigrants. All they required was a government issued unique identity number for each of us and our passports sufficed.
Jun 13th 2018, 3:12 pm
#5
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 23
Re: New York bank account opening
Thanks everyone - sounds like we just had a poorly informed bank person. Will try again!
Jun 14th 2018, 1:33 am
#6
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,929
Re: New York bank account opening
Chase is now impossible to open an account with as a new arrival.
They are asking for US state ids or driving licences , social security numbers etc.
Choice is now Wells Fargo or Bank of America.
Or contact HSBC - I'm sure they will do it for her if you have one.
Jun 17th 2018, 12:52 am
#7
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 23
Re: New York bank account opening
Nope.
Chase is now impossible to open an account with as a new arrival.
They are asking for US state ids or driving licences , social security numbers etc.
Choice is now Wells Fargo or Bank of America.
Or contact HSBC - I'm sure they will do it for her if you have one.
Chase is now impossible to open an account with as a new arrival.
They are asking for US state ids or driving licences , social security numbers etc.
Choice is now Wells Fargo or Bank of America.
Or contact HSBC - I'm sure they will do it for her if you have one.
I needed my UK passport, and proof of address. No SSN or US issued ID.
For proof of address, I had my employer write a letter (signed and on headed paper) which confirmed my current address and verification of employment.
They were very strict about the proof of address, but other than that all went without any issue.
